IMA Launches New STEM Alliance, Focused on Improving Maths Skills, Aimed at Widening Participation in Engineering
The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) is pleased to announce a new collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) and Levelling Up: STEM, a not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting A-level students from underserved groups in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. This alliance is aimed at enhancing engineering education and broadening participation with three goals:
To raise awareness of engineering as a fantastic, STEM-based career.
To raise the maths capabilities of those interested in engineering.
To help students appreciate the relevance of maths in practical engineering situations.
The Royal Academy of Engineering is working hard to foster talent and diversity so that the UK has a world-leading and truly inclusive engineering workforce and has recently doubled its investment in making the engineering profession more diverse and inclusive.
Since its launch in Spring 2021, Levelling Up: STEM has worked with universities and learned societies across the UK to provide high-quality academic material and pastoral support to A-level students, whereby universities arrange for their undergraduates to tutor them in small groups. This programme not only prepares students for university-level STEM courses but also aims to increase their A-level grades significantly, ensuring they meet the entry requirements of high tariff universities.
The programme initially started in maths and physics, and then expanded to cover chemistry and computer science, and is now running at 28 UK universities. The Royal Academy of Engineering is joining to provide the forum "hub" for university engineering departments to share experiences, resources, and expertise. This will hugely enrich the programme's impact.
Maths skills are an essential capability for engineers, as such the IMA is working with leading UK academics to develop an 'engineering-flavoured' A-level maths syllabus, contextualising topics like trigonometry and differentiation to practical topics like designing robot arms or a rollercoaster.
The engineering programme will enrol universities in Autumn 2024 for tutorials launching in Spring 2025.
Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with Levelling Up: STEM and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive engineering community and supports our mission to inspire, promote, and lead engineering excellence. Together, we aim to empower more students to pursue engineering with the confidence and preparation needed to succeed.”
Professor Hannah Fry HonFREng, FIMA, President of the IMA commented, “The IMA is thrilled to deepen our efforts with Levelling Up: STEM through this new collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering. By combining our strengths, we can enhance the support structure for students and ensure that the pathways into STEM, particularly mathematics and engineering, are robust and accessible to all.”
Tony Hill, Founder of Levelling Up: STEM, said, “We are excited to collaborate with the Royal Academy of Engineering. It will enable us to reach more students and enrich our programme with high-quality engineering expertise. Our goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to excel in STEM, and this collaboration is a big step forward in that direction.”
Together, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, and Levelling Up: STEM are setting the foundation for a future where every student has the opportunity to explore and excel in engineering. This collaboration not only aims to elevate educational standards and outcomes but also aspires to create a diverse and dynamic engineering workforce that mirrors the society it serves.
Background InformationThe Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) exists to support the advancement of mathematical knowledge and its applications and to promote and enhance mathematical culture in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, for the public good. The IMA plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of education in mathematics and supporting the next generation of mathematicians.
The Royal Academy of Engineering is harnessing the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone. In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public. Together we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.
Levelling Up: STEM supports A-level students from underserved groups who are interested in STEM subjects at university. The programme focuses on providing high-quality academic and pastoral support to ensure students are prepared and inspired to pursue higher education in STEM fields.
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